John

(Romans 15:4 NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

John

(Mark 14:50-52 NLT) "Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.”

(John 13:23 NKJV) "Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.”

(John 19:25-27 NLT) "Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her,“Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple,“Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home."

(Revelation 20:12 NLT) "I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books."

Closeness with God

1. Closeness begins in worship.

(John 4:23-24 NLT) "But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.””

(Revelations 19:9-10 NLT) "And the angel said to me... “These are true words that come from God. ”Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”"

2. Closeness builds faith.

(John 20:31 NASB) "These things have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

3. Closeness brings freedom.

(John 8:32-36 NASB) "And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free... So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

(John 10:10 ESV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

4. Closeness boosts confidence.

(1 John 4:7-8 NLT) ”Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

(John 1:1-2, 14 NASB) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us."